KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has recorded 586,501 foreign visitors from China, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines as of last month.

Those four countries are the top contributors to the state's tourism sector, according to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He said these visitors played a significant role in the state's economic growth and expressed optimism that the number would increase by year-end.

"Based on statistics from the Sabah Immigration Department, foreign visitor arrivals have shown a drastic increase over the last five years, from 2020 to August 2024, particularly from China, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

"For instance, in 2023 alone, we saw 427,077 visitors from these four countries.

"This increase is very encouraging, as it greatly contributes to the state's economic growth.

"I also hope that the number of visitors from other countries will increase as well," Hajiji said during the Serumpun Kasih Seluhur Budi event at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here.

He attributed this success to the good governance and efficient collaboration between the state government and the Sabah Immigration Department.

Their joint efforts have streamlined the entry process for foreign visitors, making it easier for tourists and investors to enter Sabah, he said.

"With a smooth and organised process for entry and visa applications, we demonstrate our commitment to creating a business-friendly and conducive environment.

" This, in turn, builds investor confidence in Sabah's capacity to support sustainable economic growth."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/1107515/most-visitors-sabah-are-china-brunei-indonesia-and-philippines